Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1840-1850
MediumHand-stitched woven or braided straw, with wire in the brim edge
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 9 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 11in. (24.1 x 26.7 x 27.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1963.16.22
DescriptionWoman's straw bonnet with alternating stripes of natural and dark brown straw. The weft pattern with natural-colored straw warp, is as follows: eight or nine natural-colored; two dark brown; eight or nine natural-colored; one dark brown; one natural; one dark brown; repeat. The stripes run diagonally along the brim and vertically on the crown and curtain pieces. The bonnet brim is extremely deep , 8 3/8 inches, allowing the crown to sit well back on the head. The bonnet is straight from the crown to the edge of the brim. The brim is stiffened with wire. The ends of the 22-inch-long brim curve gently to the back curtain (or "bavolet") and center back, where the brim is stitched together under the crown. The crown itself is a circle, approximately five inches in diameter. The seam between the crown and the brim is covered with a braid of straw. The curtain is stitched along the bottom back of the bonnet. It is trimmed with a braided straw edging that continues around the entire outer edge of the bonnet. The seam connecting the curtain to the bonnet is covered with the same braid as was used at the crown.
NotesHistorical Note: Although the object file does not indicate that this item originated in the Enfield Shaker Community, it was the only Shaker community in Connecticut. The Connecticut Historical Society would not have acquired this piece if it were not from Connecticut; thus, it must be from the Enfield Shaker Community. (Malley 3/2/2004)Status
Not on view
